Bodies knit together
SYDNEY: Leading wool bodies Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Australian Wool Services (AWS) have revealed their intention to merge. Research body AWI and AWS - which owns the Woolmark brand - signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the process of integration for the two companies late last month, with the boards of both organisations resolved to attain shareholder and Federal Government approval to integrate by the end of the year. AWI chairman Ian McLachlan described the merger as "a very important step" for the future of the Australian wool industry.
:Thai this for size
THAILAND: The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre will play host to two industry trade fairs at the same time next month. An initiative of the Thai Government and staged from September 27 to October 1, the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2006 (BIFF&BIL) will feature the latest trends for autumn/winter 2007, together with the Thai Cluster's spring/summer 07 collection. Other highlights of the event include a tex trend forum involving textile manufacturers, together with a unique Thai cluster project targeted at European, US and Italian visitors.
For more: thaitradefair.com
:Customs cost
CANBERRA: Customs has begun to offer compensation to address difficulties experienced by the importing industry following the introduction of its Integrated Cargo System (ICS). To date the service has completed its review of 320 out of 433 claims, including some TCF importers, and has decided to meet storage and transport-related costs where these were the result of a problem with the implementation of ICS. It is expected it will pay out in excess of $492,000 to these claimants with a further $8.4 million worth of claims still to be decided. For more: 02 6275 6793
:Plane pain
SYDNEY: The court battle brewing between Sydney Airport Corporation and the Sydney City Council over a new retail development has hit new heights. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she will share legal advice with concerned stakeholders before deciding on legal action against the Corporation's $250 million proposed retail development. The Council will consult with capital city Lord Mayors, the State Government and adjoining councils on whether to openly challenge the project in the High Court of Australia. Moore is concerned the development will threaten local businesses and increase traffic congestion in surrounding suburbs.
:Belgian success
SYDNEY:The phenomenal success of Belgian designer Walter van Beirendonck's kidswear line has prompted Paddington boutique, Buddy & Rose to stock the label permanently. Since debuting the childrenswear label in Sydney in autumn/winter 05, the store has recorded positive sales and ordered the brand's spring/summer 06 line. The range includes t-shirts, jeans, hooded tops and knits with T-shirts at $60 and jeans starting at $80.